West Tigers coach Jason Taylor plotting his revenge on the Parramatta Eels

By ADRIAN PROSZENKOParramatta were so far down the track in negotiations to appoint Jason Taylor as head coach that the club's media department interviewed him on video about his plans for the blue and golds.That footage, shot in October 2013, was likely destroyed when, in an incredible backflip, the Eels pulled their offer and opted for Brad Arthur instead. The clip, now a collector's item, highlights not only how fickle is the business of rugby league but also adds wonderful theatre to the Easter Monday clash between the Eels and the Wests TigersTaylor had agreed to terms with the Eels and a press release was drafted to trumpet his return following stints as a player and interim head coach at the then wooden spooners. But a contract wasn't signed and the release never sent after Arthur was instead given the gig. For Taylor, it meant remaining an assistant to Trent Robinson at the Roosters until joining the Tigers as head coach in the off-season.AdvertisementAll parties appear happy with how matters have worked out but there was plenty of angst at the time as the Eels went through one of the messiest coaching appointments in the game's history.Taylor, who is plotting the downfall of the club that sacked him in the blockbuster encounter at ANZ Stadium, wasn't buying into the dramas."On this one, I don't have a comment," Taylor said.But the Tigers clearly believe Parramatta's loss is their gain and are delighted with the progress the club has shown since his appointment."I was certainly aware that Jason was in very close discussions with the Eels well before he was on our radar," said Tigers CEO Grant Mayer."From our point of view, everything he talked about in his interview process has been clearly seen in the first four rounds of the competition."The focus on our defence and his focus on allowing our young halves and fullback to prosper in his structure is quite evident to all."Last year proved we can get 56,000 people to [the corresponding] club game. I'd be disappointed if we didn't see similar numbers in 2015. The fact he's coached at Parramatta before and is now a Wests Tiger adds to a bit of the theatre to the game."Parramatta chief executive Scott Seward added: "It's no secret that we were a long way down the path with Jason, but we're extremely happy with Brad and we see him as our long-term coach."Clearly the Wests Tigers are very happy and Jason is very happy there. There are no grudges from our end, that's for sure."Both Sydney clubs have a huge following but their supporter bases have had little to cheer about in recent years. However, both have shown promising signs in 2015 and will be looking to cement places in the top eight at the other's expense on Monday.Taylor, who coached Parramatta to an unlikely finals appearance after taking over from Brian Smith midway through 2006, said his former club posed a formidable challenge."They were great last week," Taylor said of the emphatic victory over premiers South Sydney."In the two games that they've won, they've been really impressive. They've played some great footy and are moving the ball around."Their halves are playing well and their forward pack is strong, they're in good form."They are clearly playing a very aggressive style of footy and matching them in the forwards is clearly going to be a challenge for every team that plays them."With the Easter Show next door and free transport for ticketholders, officials are hoping for a crowd of 50,000. Taylor predicted the 3pm kick-off time would be conducive to expansive football."It makes the game more appealing, the fans and players like afternoon football," he said."Footy on an Easter Monday afternoon, everyone at our club is looking forward to it. It all adds up to what should be a good afternoon."back to top

"We need to know what's going wrong in the first place, you certainly wouldn't stop someone like Richardson even coming in as a consultant for our recruitment team to learn off.
Richardson has 30 years experience and has been at Cronulla, Penrith,…"

Replies

Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 April 1, 2015 at 5:53pm

Sometimes I wonder what our team would have looked like under JT

I know one thing - Watmough and Foz wouldn't be at our club and what a bad call Taylor made - backing out of the Takairangi deal, who's been one of Parramatta's best backs.
- Carloeel > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 April 1, 2015 at 5:59pm
  
  I will be honest I loved what jt brought to our team in his twilight and wanted him as coach . Am not sorry at all in this instance I didn't get my way ..... Jt once was a visitor in my house - nothing to do w me but very charming none the less lol. He likes to groom in places I don't think BA would dream of , I have on gud authority .
  I think we made the right choice :-))
  - 2qioa2ycfdysv > Carloeel April 1, 2015 at 6:06pm
    
    WTF ??? seriously WTF ???
    
    Where is the correlation between coaching and manscaping.
    
    just some on your comments and footy players is outrageous.
- Kurupt > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 April 1, 2015 at 6:20pm
  
  Okay he visited your home and nothing to do with you, so who saw the manscaping? Your hubby?
- Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 April 1, 2015 at 6:35pm
  
  Cousin gave me a story once where JT once turned up to training with carpet burns on his knees and elbows.
Carloeel April 1, 2015 at 6:08pm

Obviously a manscaper Nathan :-)
- 2qioa2ycfdysv > Carloeel April 1, 2015 at 6:11pm
  
  correctamundo
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER April 1, 2015 at 6:10pm

We wont revenge from last year we do and year before that to and year before that one
- Tentonz > ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER April 1, 2015 at 8:32pm
  
  Huh?
Blue and Gold April 1, 2015 at 6:13pm

This article would have been applicable last year.

Talk about drudging up the past.

JT as coach wouldn't have attracted the signings BA has.

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